Makes

As soon as this delicious mustard (ok saffron, but I keep calling it mustard) John Kaldor peaseblossom fabric landed at Sew Essential HQ I knew I had to make something with it.

There is just something about mustard in the Autumn that I find comforting. Weird? Probably. In fact I never really wear yellow at any other time of year, but in the Autumn I'm all about my mustard jumper or my mustard striped T, both of which were worn whilst sewing the mustard coloured dress.

Besides the glorious colour I knew the quality of this lightweight crepe would be second to none. I mean you just can't go wrong with John Kaldor.

One trend that could not have passed me by this year is the paperbag waist - on shorts, trousers and skirts everywhere. I love the nod to the 90s (my hey day) and it seemed like a very wearable trend. Whilst pondering all things paperbag I simultaneously spotted the need for more shorts for my winter sun holiday in October. Then I remembered a new Simplicity pattern release I shared on Instagram stories a while back, which would have this trend all wrapped up.

I don't know about you, but this incredible summer has made me realise I need more summer dresses in my life! I wanted something cool, loose fitting and pretty to wear so decided to sew this simple slip dress.

I decided to sew this tropical maxi dress after a battle with my last make that resulted in an unfinished project. I will go back to it when I can face it again, but in the meantime I needed a palette cleanser! This was just the ticket and perfect for the gorgeous weather we are experiencing in the UK right now.

I've been meaning to sew a wrap dress forever and I finally got around to it. Whilst looking for inspiration I stumbled across a lovely ready to wear dress and instantly knew Simplicity 8608 was just the ticket.

It seems like Spring might just actually be here and I need something to wear! I have been so used to fumbling around in the dark to grab ANOTHER jumper each morning that I hadn't actually thought about what I might wear if the sun finally made an appearance. Well apparently there is a distinct shortage on the short sleeved top front. In other words the perfect excuse to make another item on my #makenine list - the Pendrell blouse by Sewaholic. I made it in our gorgeously pretty and drapey new viscose fabric and I love it!

I am a big fan of blouses yet I have never owned a pussy bow blouse. Scandalous I know! Bored of the limited selection of blouses in my wardrobe I decided to whip up the Sew Over It pussy bow blouse. I heard it was a super easy make and we had some deliciously drapey viscose in stock, which was the perfect partner.

After sewing my first ever pair of jeans I thought it was time to treat myself to a nice easy sew. Thanks to my carefully considered #makenine list it was easy to choose something that fitted the bill and I knew I would wear. Hello floral shift dress AKA dinner parties and restaurant visits sorted for Spring/Summer this year.

I decided to start the New Year with a bang: sewing my first ever pair of jeans. I made a series of quick, simple sews at the end of last year then had a break from sewing over Christmas. Refreshed and reinvigorated it was time for a challenge. I chose the Jalie Eleonore pull on jeans pattern, winner of the 'best pants/jeans pattern' award on Pattern Review for the last two years, and our mid blue stretch denim. I thought it would be a good way to dip my toe in the water and start the learning journey of fitting trousers. Find out what I learned, my thoughts on the pattern and why I recommend giving jeans a go.

After sewing for two years I've actually hit the point of sewing the same pattern more than once. It was something I always said I would do after each successful project, but secretly thought I'd probably never get around to it. I thought I would always want to try something new and exciting. I would be too busy honing new skills to spend time making something a second or third time. Well I was wrong, I am a total convert and will explain why. Looking ahead to 2018 I thought it might be interesting to consider whether tried and true patterns will be a part of your sewing journey this year.